Mechanical coupling device for securing drive components

Abstract

A device for securing a driven component to a drive shaft features an abutment surface engageable with a drive member in flat surface-to-surface engagement for aligning the drive member mounted on the coupling device, in precise alignment with both the coupling device and a rotatable drive transmission shaft to which the coupling device is fixed. The hub having an extended slotted member and a hub member, where the hub member has a knurled surface for securing the hub to the drive component by pressed fit. A clamp collar is used for clamping the slotted member to the drive shaft. The hub member also has raised annular lip to secure the clamp collar. The extended slotted member further includes a unitarily formed flange with a detent nib for anti rotation of the clamp collar.

1 . A coupling device for mounting a drive member on a rotatable shaft and automatically aligning the shaft, the drive member and the coupling device in coaxial alignment with one another upon assembly, the coupling device comprising a one-piece generally tubular body having a shaft-receiving through opening, a clamping end portion and an opposite end portion, the opposite end portion having an outer surface defining a drive member-supporting hub, the body including an abutment surface formed as an integral part of the body, the abutment surface extending radially, outwardly relative to the hub for serving as a drive member-engaging stop for the coupling device. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the hub has a knurled outer surface, and wherein the hub is of a predetermined axial length and coacts with an abutment surface for limiting drive member insertion of the hub. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the clamping end portion includes a terminal end and four equiangularly spaced slots that also make up four equiangularly spaced segments. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the outer surface of the hub is knurled, wherein the clamping end portion of the coupling device body includes a terminal end and spaced slots extending longitudinally from the terminal end of the clamping end portion toward the flange, wherein the clamping end portion has a detent lip formed on its terminal end with an annular lead-in chamfer formed on the detent lip, and wherein a clamping collar is snap-fit over the detent lip onto the clamping end portion, the clamping collar being restrained between the detent lip and the flange against undesired axial movement on the clamping end portion of the coupling device body during assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The features of  claim 3  allow for reduced cross sectional beam strength, along the clamping portion of the hub, and will result in more uniform clamping forces. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4  wherein a clamping collar is snap-fit over the detent lip onto the clamping end portion, the clamping collar being restrained between the detent lip and the flange in order to facilitate handling and storage by keeping this assembly as one prior to assembly and during installation.